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Rabies & Animal Bites

The raccoon strain of rabies has re-emerged in the Ontario wildlife population. Starting in December 2015 and after a ten-year absence, cases of raccoon rabies have been confirmed among wild and stray animals in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk, Brant and Perth.

To date, there has been one confirmed local case of rabies in a land animal: a skunk in the Elora area. Two confirmed cases of rabies were found in bats in the City of Guelph; one in 2017 and one in 2018. For the most up-to-date information about cases of rabies in Ontario, please see this surveillance map by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Duty to report

As a healthcare provider, you are required by law to notify Public Health of any animal bites or animal contact that could result in rabies. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive reports and respond to suspected rabies exposures.